Virginia Named Top State for Business by CNBC
Virginia Named Top State for Business by CNBC
Last week, CNBC named Virginia as the top state to do business, marking the sixth time the Commonwealth has held this prestigious title since the study was launched in 2007. Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed his pride in Virginia’s business-friendly environment, top-notch talent, and infrastructure that have attracted waves of economic investment and business expansions.
According to the study, Virginia excelled in all 10 categories, with its public education system being hailed as the best in the country. The state’s efforts to connect businesses with shovel-ready sites also contributed to its high ranking, finishing third in the infrastructure category.
Linda Green, Board President for the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA), emphasized that economic development is a collective effort that involves the entire community. She credited the commitment of various stakeholders, from small businesses to workforce trainers to elected officials, for Virginia’s success in attracting, retaining, and growing businesses of all sizes.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has played a crucial role in certifying dozens of sites across the Commonwealth, ensuring that utilities and infrastructure can be in place within 18 months. Michael Dreiling, VEDP’s Vice President of Real Estate Solutions, highlighted the importance of listening to companies’ needs and providing ready sites for development.
Virginia scored a total of 1,595 points across categories such as workforce, economy, quality of life, and business friendliness. Governor Youngkin praised the state’s progress in areas like workforce development, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reduction, emphasizing that economic development is a collaborative effort.
The recognition as America’s Top State for Business is a testament to Virginia’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. To learn more about this ranking, visit CNBC.com.
